Thousands of people packed into the streets of Cardiff to witness a colourful celebration of St David’s Day in the capital.

A sea of daffodils, leeks, fluttering Welsh flags and five towering Welsh icons were among the sights that flooded the city centre in a patriotic showing in honour of Wales’ patron saint.

A parade starting in front of City Hall formed the centrepiece of Cardiff’s March 1 celebrations, with more than 1,000 people joining the parade as it snaked its way through Boulevard de Nantes, St Mary Street, Mill Lane and ending in The Hayes, watched by more than 8,000 people.

Towering over all were impressive “Giants of Wales” figures representing icons of modern and historic Wales – Sir Tom Jones, Dame Shirley Bassey, Ruth “Nessa” Jones, rugby’s Gethin Jenkins and Owain Glyndwr – which were made by schoolchildren from across Cardiff.

Among the more famous faces peppering the crowd was Wales soccer boss Chris Coleman, who headed a group from the Football Association of Wales who had donned Welsh kilts, fresh from the emotional scenes the night before at the memorial match for Gary Speed.

Ahead of the spectacle, Cardiff Council leader Rodney Berman said that it was a day for the nation to feel “incredibly proud” of its achievements, especially recent sporting triumphs, paying tribute to the Welsh national sides in rugby and football. He added: “We can be immensely proud of their achievements, their effort and determination, which has won friends from right across the globe.”

Deputy leader of the council Neil McEvoy told the crowd: “This is a Welsh day for Wales. We are not a race but a community of communities – and we are inclusive of every colour and every creed.”

He added: “Today is a day to think of the present and the future, but also to look back at the history that has often been ignored.”

The parade was led by “St David” in traditional costume followed by the colourful banners of the Princes of Wales.

Scores of schools from around the city were represented – with primary schools Mount Stuart Primary, St Michael’s, Ysgol Glyncoed and Adamsdown Primary, as well as secondary schools Ysgol Plasmawr, Caldicot Comprehensive and Ysgol Gyfun Bro Morgannwg among those seen on the city streets.

Debut attendees included the Filipino Community Association of Wales and the Nepalese Community in Wales.

Margaret Hall, 61, from Llanishen, Cardiff, was watching the parade at City Hall with her eight-month-old grandson Lewis.

“It has been brilliant, really good,” she said.

“I think the weather has helped – and it’s been a lovely turnout, as it’s our first parade.

“It’s a great event for the kids and they seem to be very involved.”

Software developer James Brightley and Ceri Tindale, both 26 and from Cardiff Bay, said the atmosphere at the event had been excellent.

Mr Brightley said: “It’s my first time here, as I’m originally from Cornwall, and I thought the whole thing was brilliantly done.

“The bands were really great and the atmosphere and the music was really good.”